Key points to consider

Minimising the likelihood of having to pay high prices for being "out of contract" with your current supplier.

Your current supplier will have purchased energy for your contracted period of supply at agreed rates. Beyond this date energy prices may be more expensive and you will be charged accordingly.

Tell your new supplier when you want to change supplier – make sure that the date you change supplier ("Transfer Date”) follows on immediately from the final date of your existing contract
Allow enough time from selecting a new supplier to your desired transfer date - up to 6 weeks or longer if you include the tendering period

Avoiding your current supplier objecting to (& potentially delaying) the transfer; or avoiding any termination fees

Review your contractual obligations with your current Supplier;
Make sure you are entitled to change supplier without penalty (in the form of a termination fee) and according to the terms and conditions of your contract – including any notice period;
Ensure that you are authorised to change supplier, i.e. the supply to the premises is not part of a landlord’s contract and your energy supply is included in the rent you pay to your landlord;
Your current contract should include:

details of the circumstances in which the current supplier may prevent your transfer to another supplier;
when you may be liable for a termination fee;
what your required termination or notice period is;
the need to give notice in writing.

(Certain older gas contracts may not include this information, but the old supplier may still object to a transfer where a debt is present or the contract period has not finished)
Reasons why your old supplier might object to a transfer:

You are trying to change supplier before the end date of your current supplier’s contract;
you are seeking to terminate the contract without giving the required notice period;
your supply is being based upon more than one related meter point at the one site, and not all of these are transferred over at the same time by your new supplier;
The contract terms and conditions specify payment of outstanding debt prior to changing supplier.

If you have just moved into the property and are not aware who the supplier is

For gas, Xoserve provide a helpline with details of the supplier registered to that address; or
Contact your preferred suppliers to provide a quote. With your permission they will be able to identify the current supplier.
You will still be liable to the current supplier(s) for all energy used from the time you occupied the premises to the time your preferred supplier takes over so it is always in your interests to identify that supplier as soon as possible and notify them of your responsibility for those premises. Not having a contract with a supplier will mean that you are supplied on a “deemed contract” with rates which typically are more expensive.

Helping suppliers to price accurately and avoid subsequent delays or changes

Provide as much of the information
Give your permission for suppliers to access energy industry systems to check your data;
As much as possible, verify your own data with energy industry held systems. See Industry contacts

Ensuring the right price and contractual arrangements

Make sure you are comparing “like with like” – unit rates; fixed/standing charges; time of use rates; main terms and conditions etc
Are all of the material terms and conditions of the contract acceptable (contract period; termination notice; termination fees etc)? Remember to read all the small print and ensure that you understand all the implications;
Once you have signed or verbally agreed a contract it will be legally binding unless the contract specifically allows a cooling off period; however this is very rare in the case of business contracts and you should assume that the contract is binding immediately that you have signed it;
Are the services you require in respect of billing and consumption information clearly set out and agreed? Examples of such services include the billing frequency, any energy management information or on-line services;
Are VAT and the Climate Change Levy (CCL) included in the price, or will these be additional charges? This could affect your price comparison
Do you wish to have electricity generated from renewable sources? Some suppliers offer contracts for ‘green’ electricity, which can lead to a reduction in the CCL but often attract a price premium;
Check the metering service arrangements – including reading and read access arrangements;
Make sure you formally accept or sign and return the contract before the offer expires. The offer may lapse or not be available again and you could face higher ‘deemed contract’ charges with your current supplier.

What may be expected of you during the transfer process?

Be ready to answer any queries the new supplier may have regarding your premises details;
Speak to your current supplier if there are any objections to the transfer of your supply;
In general, if you have any queries/doubts about the change of supply process, contact your new supplier.

What is the best way to ensure an accurate change of supply reading is obtained?

Be ready to provide access to your premises – keep any appointments made; provide keys etc.;
Provide your own reading if requested to do so; you will need to be familiar you’re your metering installation in order to provide this - ask for meter reading visit if you are unsure;
If possible, take a meter reading on the date your change of supply occurs; give it to your new supplier but also make sure you keep a record of any readings yourself.

Check your closing bill from your current supplier and opening bill from your new supplier

Check the details of your bill, ensure that the amount you are being charged is accurate, and that all of your premises and meters are present;
Your final and initial bills should both state the same transfer date (Supply End Date should be 1 day before the Supply Start Date) and the opening read from the new supplier should be the same as the closing read from the old supplier.